Job Summary
The Product & Quality Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, validating, launching, and continuously improving transportation safety products and manufacturing processes. This role combines product engineering and quality engineering responsibilities to ensure products meet customer requirements, regulatory standards, quality expectations, cost targets, and production objectives. Using engineering tools such as APQP, Stage-Gate, DFMEA, DVP&R, CAD software, Lean Manufacturing methodologies, and continuous improvement principles, the Product & Quality Engineer collaborates with cross-functional teams to develop innovative, manufacturable, and high-quality products. This position plays a key role in new product development, process improvement, root cause analysis, quality enhancement, and customer satisfaction.
The ideal candidate is a technically proficient, hands-on engineer with strong problem-solving skills, a continuous improvement mindset, and experience in manufacturing and product development environments.
Primary Duties And Essential Responsibilities
Product Development & Engineering
- Support the development and launch of new or improved transportation safety products utilizing the Stage-Gate process and APQP methodology.
- Participate in the initiation phase of new product programs to ensure designs support cost-effective and efficient manufacturing.
- Develop and manage engineering deliverables including specifications, timing plans, cost targets, design reviews, DFMEA, DVP&R, drawings, and validation plans.
- Produce, maintain, and update engineering documentation in compliance with company policies, customer requirements, and industry standards.
- Design and develop components and mechanisms using SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software.
- Build and evaluate prototypes and oversee product validation testing programs.
- Analyze test results and implement design improvements based on quantitative data.
- Interface with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders regarding technical requirements, design changes, and product improvements.
- Review changes and product improvements with customers as required.
- Coordinate outsourced engineering activities and supplier-sourced components.
Quality & Continuous Improvement
- Lead and support quality improvement initiatives that enhance product quality, safety, delivery performance, 5S implementation, and manufacturing efficiency.
- Measure variances to standards, identify process or product nonconformities, investigate root causes, and implement corrective actions.
- Utilize quality tools and methodologies to drive continuous improvement and eliminate waste.
- Support and implement Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization.
- Assist in the design and implementation of changes necessary to meet revised Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and other applicable regulations.
- Interface with Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, Testing, Finance, and Program Management teams to ensure successful product launches and process improvements.
- Ensure engineering changes and critical product dimensions are accurately updated and maintained in engineering databases and CAD systems.
- Provide recommendations for product, process, and system improvements.
- Analyze production and quality data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
- Support internal audits, customer audits, and quality system compliance activities.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Promote a positive, collaborative, and growth-oriented culture among team members.
- Effectively communicate engineering and quality information to internal and external stakeholders.
- Support departmental objectives through project leadership, technical expertise, and administrative assistance as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Education And Experience
Required
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Minimum of three (3) years of engineering experience in product development, manufacturing, quality engineering, or a related field.
- Experience working in a manufacturing environment.
Preferred
- Automotive, transportation safety, seating, or related industry experience.
- Associate Degree with significant relevant experience may be considered.
- Experience with validation testing, prototype development, and manufacturing processes.
- Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and 5S experience.
- Knowledge of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and automotive quality systems.
Skills And Qualifications
- Proficient in SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software.
- Knowledge of GD&T, Design for Manufacturing (DFM), and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.
- Familiarity with APQP methodologies and quality core tools including DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans, and DVP&R.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and quality systems.
- Knowledge of solid mechanics and engineering fundamentals.
- Experience performing root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, test results, specifications, and quality documentation.
- Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Self-starter capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a cross-functional, team-oriented environment.
Commitment to safety, quality, continuous improvement, and professional development
Language Skills
- Fluent English reading, writing, and verbal communication skills required.
Spanish Language Skills Preferred
Required Tools and Software
- Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
- SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software
- AutoCAD (preferred)
- PolyWorks (preferred)
- ERP/PLM Systems (Oracle, SAP, Fusion, EPDM, or equivalent)
- APQP Core Tools
- GD&T
- DFMEA, PFMEA, Failure Tree Analysis
- DVP&R and Product Validation Systems
- Statistical and Quality Analysis Tools
Physical Requirements
- Prolonged periods sitting and working at a computer.
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to inspect products, components, and engineering drawings both electronically and physically.
Ability to travel between office, laboratory, manufacturing floor, and warehouse environments as needed
Working Conditions
- Fast-paced environment requiring flexibility, multitasking, and management of multiple priorities.
- Frequent interaction with employees, customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.
- Regular exposure to manufacturing and warehouse environments.
- May be exposed to varying temperatures, dust, noise, and moving equipment.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required when working in production and warehouse areas
Compensation Classification
FLSA Status: Exempt (subject to review based on job duties and compensation).
